Player Ratings: Everton 1-2 Liverpool – as Reds Win the Derby

The England international was steady and resilient as he covered ground and used the ball well.

In the second half, the former Celtic man was able to recycle and maintain possession as he showed why he should have been a consistent starter all season.

Virgil van Dijk – 8.0

The captain and leader of this team were solid on order and communication as he tried to stem the blue flow which threatened to take over the first half.

After the intermission, the former Celtic giant was unable to prevent the equaliser and suffered from a lack of coordination in his defensive group. The winner was outstanding and powerful.

Ryan Gravenberch – 5.0

The Dutch international was outrun, outmuscled and poor on the ball as he lacked the tenacity needed for midfield.

After the intermission, the midfield man was slightly better as he looked to get on the ball and move things more quickly.

Dominik Szoboszlai – 8.0

The Hungarian international was full of fight and running as he tried to meet the opposition with physicality.

When the match resumed, the former Bundesliga star was able to maintain some solidity in central areas as the battle progressed from end to end. A superb corner for the late winner.

Cody Gakpo – 7.0

The Dutch player was able to allow a smart assist for the opening goal and twisted with a long-range effort later in the half.

After the restart, the out-of-form attacker was unlucky not to score early in the first half before fading.

Subbed – 74 mins

Florian Wirtz – 7.0

The German attacker was very limited early on and struggled to make intelligent passes count. Picked up later on.

In the second half, the elite creator was more proactive and able to bring his teammates into the game more.

Mohamed Salah – 8.0

The Egyptian King was the man in the spot with a clinical finish to open the scoring. The touch and direction were there as the record-breaking scorer looked the most dangerous player in red.

After the break, the former Roma star continued to show his class and was always a threat.

Man of the match

Alexander Isak – 5.0

The novice attacker was unable to get into the ball and struggled to interact with those around him. A couple of smart runs and a snap shot stood out.

After the intermission, the former Chelsea prodigy was lacking before leaving the pitch.

Subbed – 74 mins

Substitutions:

Freddie Woodman – 7.0 (on 58)

Came on to show decent form.

Rio Ngumoha – 7.0 (on 74)

Came on to offer more direct running.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6.0 (on 74)

Came on to add more control.

Jeremie Frimpong – 6.0 (on 74)

Came on to add pace.

Milos Kerkez 6.0 (on 78)

Came on to add energy.

The Manager:

Arne Slot – 8.0

The starting lineup was an attacking one that was designed to score and get ahead.

The second half substitutes were required and impacted the game with renewed energy.

Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction:

Everton 2 – 1 Liverpool